Method, system, and apparatus for handling, labeling, filling and capping syringes

ABSTRACT

An inventive method, system and apparatus are provided for syringe handling, and more particularly, for syringe labeling, filling and capping operations. To facilitate syringe handling, an inventive apparatus includes a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected in a predetermined orientation by a belt. Such belt may be of pliable construction and may define a predetermined spacing in between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, such predetermined spacing corresponding with a distance between holders provided in a handling apparatus. The syringe handling apparatus may provide for the placement of contents-related information on belt segments between adjacent syringe bodies and for separating the belt segments, wherein a flap is left interconnected to each syringe body. The syringe handling apparatus may alternatively or also provide for automated filling of the syringe bodies wherein cap removal, filling and cap replacement operations are completed free from manual handling.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to priorU.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/224,136, filed Aug. 10, 2000, theentirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the handling ofsyringes, and is particularly apt for use in automated syringe handlingoperations, such as syringe filling, labeling and capping operations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Each year countless syringes are used throughout the world by thehealthcare industry for the administration of liquid medications tohumans and animals with hypodermic needles or infusion catheters, aswell as for delivery of oral and topical medications. Some medicationsprovided by pharmaceutical manufacturers are prepared, stored, andshipped as powders, crystals, or some other solid form due to the lackof stability in solution. These medications are then reconstituted withliquid, such as water or some other suitable liquid solvent. For one orseveral administrations of a medication, the manual filling of thesyringes with reconstituted liquid medication is a small chore. However,larger health care institutions often administer medications in syringesto hundreds of patients per day, thus requiring the rather large choreof filling hundreds of syringes with medications and labeling eachfilled syringe to show the contents, strength, and fill dates, usuallyunder the direction of a qualified pharmacist. Healthcare providers havefound that preparing (e.g. filling and labeling) the quantities ofsyringes needed has many efficiencies and other advantages when it isdone in batches.

[0004] In the later regard, batch preparation may be particularlypreferred for syringes carrying medications that are not stable inliquid form and are therefore frozen after preparation to maintainacceptable stability. Further, the task of maintaining sterility in thetransfer of liquid from containers provided by pharmaceuticalmanufacturers to pre-sterilized syringes may be enhanced by batchcompletion in controlled environments. Also, safety and overallreliability may improve when syringes are prepared in batches bypharmacy personnel or others who are dedicated to and well-trained forthe task.

[0005] Currently, syringe preparation typically entails a number ofseparate operations with individual syringe handling. For example,systems used today fill syringes with dispensing pumps that are capableof delivering exact quantities of fluids but that require individualhandling of each syringe. Peristaltic pumps that can be accuratelycalibrated, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,347, are oftenused. In such arrangements, The syringe caps are packaged so thatsterility can be maintained in the capping procedure. The caps arelocated in trays where each cap is positioned so that the person doingthe filling can manually place the tip of the syringe into the capwithout touching or holding the cap. Labeling of the syringes has beendone using a label dispenser similar to those used for applying pricinglabels to grocery or other similar products.

[0006] With smaller syringes there are sometimes problems with gettingsufficient label information on the syringe without covering over thesyringe graduations or blocking the view of the medication. To overcomethis, the labels are often applied by hand with the label wrapped aroundthe syringe with most of the label extending from the syringe to form aflag.

[0007] Silicone lubricants are used in syringe manufacturing to providelubrication for lowering the frictional force in movement of the syringeplunger. These silicone lubricants have a characteristic of migratingover all surfaces. Often, this migration causes difficulties in gettingpressure sensitive labels to stay in place. This has caused users to usea clear plastic tape to wrap completely around the syringe and thelabel.

[0008] Efforts to automate hospital or clinic-based syringe preparationhave been made, but most systems have automated only portions of theprocess and still require human intervention during critical stages ofthe process. In one such system, caps are pre-positioned in a cartridgeholder. The syringes are also provided in a cartridge where each syringeis oriented. The machine to perform the filling and capping functionrequires an operator to load the cartridges of caps and syringes. Thefilling is done with a calibrated peristaltic pump. The machine fillseach syringe and places a cap. The labeling is done separately by alabeling machine that is commercially available.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In view of the foregoing, a broad objective of the presentinvention is to provide a method, system and apparatus for enhancedsyringe handling. A closely related objective is to facilitate automatedsyringe handling for various operations, such as syringe filling,labeling and capping.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide asyringe handling approach that facilitates the maintenance of sterility.

[0011] An additional objective of the present invention is to provide animproved syringe filling and capping approach.

[0012] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide animproved approach for syringe labeling.

[0013] In addressing one or more of the above objectives, the presentinventors have recognized that significant benefits may be realized byinterconnecting multiple syringe bodies to facilitate handling of thesame. More particularly, such interconnection allows multiple syringesto be commonly oriented for packaging and/or automated preparationoperations.

[0014] In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided thatincludes a plurality of syringe bodies, e.g. each comprising a barrel,and a belt fixedly connected to (e.g. adhered to or shrink-wrapped upon)each of the syringe bodies. Each syringe body may further include aplunger at least partially disposed in an open end of the barrel and aremovable cap disposed on a dispensing end of the barrel. Of importance,the belt is provided to both interconnect the plurality of syringebodies and position the same in a predetermined orientation.

[0015] In the later regard, and by way of primary example, thedispensing ends of the syringe body barrels may be oriented to extend ina common direction. In addition, the barrels of adjacent ones of theplurality of syringe bodies may be disposed in side-by-side, seriesrelation. Further, the belt may be provided to define a predeterminedspacing between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, such spacingpreferably being equidistance throughout a given assembly to accommodateready positioning in holders adapted for automated operations, as willbe further described.

[0016] To facilitate handling, production and packaging, the belt may beof a pliable construction. Further, the belt may be advantageouslyconstructed for ready separation in automated labeling operations, asdescribed hereinbelow. In this regard, it is advantageous for the beltto be of a predetermined length between adjacent ones of the pluralityof syringe bodies, such predetermined length defining belt segments thatare sufficient for the placement of contents information thereupon(e.g.via the application of a label thereto or direct printing thereupon).

[0017] Preferably, the belt is interconnected to each of the syringebody barrels. In this regard, the barrels maybe of a common length,wherein the belt is fixedly connected to the barrels along a commonportion of the length of each. In addition, the belt may advantageouslybe of a width that exceeds a majority of a length of each of thebarrels. Further, the belt may comprise a first portion that extendsbetween adjacent ones of the plurality of syringe bodies, and a secondportion that extends about at least a portion of each of the syringebody barrels. Preferably, the second portion adhesively engages thesyringe body barrels and may be substantially transparent to facilitateobservation of the volumetric contents within and markings on thesyringe barrels.

[0018] In one approach, the belt may be defined by opposing layersadjoined in face-to-face relation between adjacent ones of the pluralityof syringe bodies and wrapped about opposing sides of the barrels ofeach of the syringe bodies. At least one of the opposing layers may besubstantially transparent to allow for visual determination ofvolumetric contents and amount. As may be appreciated, a clear pliableplastic material may be utilized for easy and low-cost construction ofthe belt.

[0019] As noted, each syringe body of the inventive apparatus maytypically include a plunger and cap. In this regard, the barrel,inserted plunger and applied cap may preferably be assembled under lowbioburden environment conditions, such as a class 100,000 or lower cleanroom. Further, and of importance, the plurality of interconnectedsyringe bodies should preferably be packaged (e.g. in a shipmentcontainer) and thereafter sterilized (e.g. via gamma radiation) toachieve terminal sterilization.

[0020] To facilitate the maintenance of a clean internal volume, yetallow for syringe filling, the caps utilized on syringe bodies shouldpreferably engage dispensing ends of the barrels in a mating fashion. Byway of primary example, each cap may include an inner member matinglypositionable within or about a fluid port of the barrel dispensing end,and an outer member matingly positionable about an outer flange of thebarrel dispensing end.

[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, a method is providedfor producing an assembly of syringe bodies. The inventive methodincludes the steps of positioning a plurality of syringe bodies in apredetermined relative orientation, and disposing opposing layers ofmaterial about opposing sides of the syringe bodies and in face-to-facerelation between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies. As may beappreciated, the inventive method defines an assembly comprising a beltthat interconnects and orients a plurality of syringe bodies tofacilitate handling as previously described.

[0022] In an additional more general aspect of the present invention, anoverall method and apparatus for handling a plurality of syringe bodiesis provided. Such method comprises the steps of positioning a pluralityof syringe bodies in a predetermined orientation, and interconnecting abelt to each of the plurality of syringe bodies in said predeterminedorientation. The method may further comprise the step of positioning theplurality of syringe bodies into a plurality of holders for at least oneproduction operation. To facilitate such positioning, the belt mayadvantageously define a predetermined spacing between adjacent ones ofthe syringe bodies, wherein the holders are separated by a distance thatcorresponds with the predetermined spacing between adjacent ones of thesyringe bodies. Further, where the belt is constructed of a pliablematerial, the method may include the step of successively suspending, orhanging, adjacent ones of the syringe bodies so as to position the samefor receipt by a holder.

[0023] Numerous automated production operations may be facilitated bythe disclosed handling method, wherein the holders may be moved along apredetermined path during such operations. Of particular note, one orall of the following production operations may be automated utilizingthe invention:

[0024] filling the plurality of syringe bodies with a predeterminedfluid (e.g. reconstituted medication);

[0025] uncapping and/or recapping the plurality of syringe bodies inconjunction with filling; and

[0026] labeling the plurality of the syringe bodies to indicate thecontents thereof. Each of these production operations will be furtherdescribed hereinbelow.

[0027] In relation to the inventive apparatus for handling a pluralityof syringe bodies, it should be appreciated that it is particularlyadvantageous for the syringe bodies to be interconnected in series by abelt in a predetermined orientation and with a predetermined spacingtherebetween. In the latter regard, the inventive apparatus may comprisea plurality of holders for holding the of syringe bodies, such holdersbeing separated by a distance corresponding with the predeterminedspacing.

[0028] The apparatus may further include a drive for moving the holdersalong a predetermined path. In this regard, the holders may be orientedso as to locate adjacent ones of the plurality of syringe bodies insubstantial parallel relation, wherein the dispensing and opposing endsof the syringe bodies extend outwardly from and in a common orientationrelative to the predetermined path. In turn, at least one workstationmay be provided having a support member disposed to move towards andaway from the dispensing ends of the syringe bodies. By way of primaryexample, such workstations may be provided for automated filling and/orautomated cap removal/replacement, free from manual handlingrequirements.

[0029] Further, one or more workstations may be provided with a supportmember disposed to move towards and away from an outward facing surfaceof the belt at locations between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies.Such workstations may provide for automated separation of the beltbetween adjacent ones of the syringe bodies and/or automated printing ofcontents information on belt segments located between adjacent ones ofthe syringe bodies.

[0030] In a further aspect of the present invention a method andapparatus is provided for filling syringe bodies. In the inventivemethod, the filling of each syringe body entails the step of holding thesyringe body in at least one holder and the further steps of removing acap from, filling and replacing the cap back on the syringe body duringthe holding step. As may be appreciated, completion of the removing,filling and replacing steps while the syringe body is being held by atleast one holder yields a significant handling advantage in that manualmanipulation of a syringe body may be avoided.

[0031] The filling method may further include, for each syringe body,the steps of placing the cap on the dispensing end of the syringe bodyprior to the holding step, and packaging the syringe body in a container(e.g. for bulk shipment with other syringe bodies) and unpackaging thesyringe body from the container after the placing step and prior to theholding step. Such sequencing allows for cap placement and packaging ina production location, followed by shipment to a remote location forunpackaging and completion of the filling method. Further in thisregard, the method may include the important step of sterilizing syringebodies after packaging (e.g. at the production facility prior toshipment).

[0032] Additionally, the method may comprise the step of interconnectinga belt to the plurality of syringe bodies in a predeterminedorientation. Preferably, such interconnection occurs prior to thepackaging and sterilization steps.

[0033] In conjunction with the removal and replacement of each of thecaps, such steps may include, for each of the syringe bodies, thefurther steps of retainably engaging the cap in a retainer and moving atleast one of the retainer and the holder to affect relative movementbetween the cap and the dispensing end of the syringe body. Further inthis regard, such retainable engagement may be completed by moving theholder for a syringe along a predetermined path so as to insert the capin the retainer.

[0034] In conjunction with noted filling step, the method may furtherprovide for the interconnection of a fluid supply member with adispensing end of the syringe body and for the flow of fluid into thesyringe body through the interconnected fluid supply member. In oneembodiment, such steps as well as the cap removal and cap replacementsteps, may be completed with the syringe body held at a single location.In such embodiment the retainer, and fluid supply member may beinterconnected for tandem forward/rearward and sideways movement. Inanother embodiment, the cap removal and cap replacement steps may becompleted with a syringe body held at a first location, while thefilling step may be completed at a second location. Such an approachonly requires forward/rearward tandem movement of the retainer and fluidsupply member.

[0035] Of note, the inventive filling method and apparatus may alsoprovide for sensing of the position of a syringe body plunger duringfluid filling. In this regard, optical sensing, pressure sensing or thelike may be utilized, wherein a sense signal may be provided thatreflects the fluid volume within a syringe as it is filled. In turn, thesense signal may be employed to terminate the flow of fluid at apredetermined amount. In another approach, a predetermined amount offluid may be drawn into each syringe body via controlled retraction ofthe associated plunger.

[0036] As may be appreciated, the inventive apparatus for filling aplurality of syringe bodies may include at least one, and preferably aplurality of holders for holding a plurality of syringe bodies in apredetermined orientation. Further, the apparatus may include a retainerfor retainably engaging the cap of a syringe body, wherein the cap maybe selectively removed and replaced by the retainer. Additionally, theapparatus may include a fluid supply member disposed for selective fluidinterconnection with a dispensing end of the syringe body.

[0037] To facilitate automated operations, the inventive apparatus mayfurther comprise a driven support member for moving the holder(s) alonga predetermined path. Additionally, one or more driven support membersmay be provided for moving the retainer towards/away from the dispensingend(s) of each syringe body and/or for moving the fluid supply membertowards and away from the dispensing end(s) of each syringe body.

[0038] In yet additional aspect of the present invention, an inventivemethod and apparatus are provided for labeling a plurality of syringebodies. The inventive method includes the steps of interconnecting abelt to a plurality of syringe bodies in a predetermined orientation,and placing contents-related information on belt segments interconnectedto each of the syringe bodies. The method further includes the step ofseparating the belt between each of said plurality of syringe bodies todefine an interconnected flap (e.g. corresponding with the beltsegments) on each of the syringe bodies.

[0039] In conjunction with the inventive labeling method, the separatingstep may provide for severing, or cutting the belt between adjacent onesof the plurality of syringe bodies. Alternatively, the separating stepmay entail relative displacement of adjacent ones of the syringe bodiesso as to achieve separation along perforation lines or the like.

[0040] With respect to the step of placing contents-related informationon each given belt segment, such step may entail the printing ofinformation on a label and fixation of such label to a belt segment.Alternatively, this step may simply be completed via printing of thecontents-related information directly on a given belt segment.

[0041] In either case, the contents-related information may comprise oneor more of the following types of information:

[0042] information regarding the fluid contained in a given syringebody;

[0043] information regarding fluid fill date for each given syringebody;

[0044] information regarding the volumetric fluid content of each givensyringe body;

[0045] information comprising a product code corresponding with thecontents of a given syringe body;

[0046] information regarding the lot or batch number corresponding witheach given syringe body; and

[0047] information regarding storage and/or handling instructions foreach given syringe body. As may be appreciated, such information may beprovided in an alphanumeric or coded fashion. In the later regard, atleast some of the information may be embodied in a bar code format toallow for optical scanning.

[0048] In further relation to the inventive labeling method, theinterconnected syringe bodies may be packaged in a container, sterilizedand unpackaged from the container prior to the separating andcontents-information placement steps. As may be appreciated, suchsequencing provides for the interconnection, packaging and sterilizationof syringe bodies at a production location, and the unpackaging,separation and labeling of the syringe bodies at another location (e.g.at a location where the syringe bodies are filled with liquidmedication).

[0049] The inventive labeling apparatus is particularly adapted for usewith a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected by belt, as describedabove, and may include a plurality of holders and a labeling member forplacing contents-related information on belt segments extending betweenthe syringe bodies. The apparatus may further include a separationmember for separating the belt between adjacent ones of the plurality ofsyringe bodies, wherein a different belt segment in the form of a flapis interconnected with each one of the plurality of syringe bodies. Tofacilitate operation of the separation member and labeling member, eachof such members may be provided with driven support members that may beselectively actuated to such members towards and away from the beltsegments.

[0050] As may be appreciated, various ones of the inventive aspectsnoted hereinabove may be combined to yield an inventive system forhandling a plurality of syringe bodies, including a system thatfacilitates automated labeling and filling operations. The automatedfilling operations may further provide for automated cap removalreplacement.

[0051] These and other aspects, advantages, and novel features of theinvention are set forth in part in the description that follows and willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of thefollowing description and figures or may be learned by practicing theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the presentinvention, and together with the descriptions serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

[0053]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a labeled, filled, and cappedsyringe with a label substrate and label attached according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

[0054]FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a plurality of sterile cappedsyringes mounted in a belt or band for automated labeling and/or capremoval, fluid filling, and cap replacement according to one embodimentof this invention;

[0055]FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic elevation view of an apparatus andprocess for mounting syringes in a tape band or belt according to oneembodiment of this invention;

[0056]FIG. 4 is diagrammatic elevation view of an apparatus and processfor mounting syringes in a tape band or belt according to anotherembodiment of this invention;

[0057]FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic elevation view of a labeling and fillingapparatus of one embodiment of this invention;

[0058]FIGS. 6a through 6 e comprise diagrammatic plan views of thesyringe-filling station on the apparatus embodiment of FIG. 5 wherein asequence of component positions are shown that correspond to andillustrate sequential steps of cap removal, fluid filling, and capreplacement operation.

[0059]FIGS. 7a and 7 b comprise isometric assembly and exploded views,respectively, of a labeling and filling apparatus of the embodimentcorresponding with FIGS. 5 and 6a-e;

[0060]FIGS. 8a-8 d comprise isometric views of the syringe-fillingstation of the apparatus embodiment of FIG. 7, wherein a sequence ofcomponent positions are shown that correspond with and illustrate thesequential steps of cap removal, fluid filling, and cap replacementoperations.

[0061]FIG. 9 is a schematic elevation view of a labeling and fillingapparatus according to another embodiment of this invention;

[0062]FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a syringe-filling station of theapparatus embodiment of FIG. 9; and

[0063]FIGS. 11a- 11 h are flat, diagrammatic views of syringe handlingoperations at the filling-station of the apparatus embodiment of FIGS. 9and 10.

[0064]FIGS. 12a-12 c are isometric, end and cross-sectional views of asyringe cap employable in one embodiment of the syringe shown in FIG. 1.

[0065]FIGS. 13a-13 c are isometric, end and cross-sectional views of asyringe cap employable in another embodiment of the syringe shown inFIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0066] A capped syringe S that has been labeled and filled according toone embodiment of this invention is shown in FIG. 1. A cap C covers andprotects the sterility of the dispensing luer tip (concealed from viewin FIG. 1 by the cap C). Since the barrel B of the syringe S is full inFIG. 1, the plunger P is extended longitudinally. A flap or substrate 10for a label 12 is provided by two strips of adhesive tape 14, 16, bothof which are wrapped around and adhered to respectively opposite sidesof the barrel B and adhered to each other in face-to-face relation inextensions 18, 20 of the adhesive tape 14, 16 that extend indiametrically opposite directions from the barrel B. It is preferred,but not necessary, that at least one of the adhesive tapes 14, 16 betransparent so that the graduation marks G that are on most conventionalsyringes as well as the plunger piston (not shown) in FIG. 1) can beseen through the adhesive tape.

[0067] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the label 12 is a printedsheet that has been adhered to the panel extension 20 of the substrate10. However, the label could also be provided in other ways according tothis invention. For example, but not for limitation, the printedinformation could be printed directly on one or both of the adhesivetapes 14, 16. Such printing, if placed on a transparent tape 14, 16would preferably not be enough to mask the graduation marks G. Anotheroption could be to make one of the tapes, such as tape 14 opaque,perhaps with label information on it, but make the other tape 16transparent so as not to mask or hide the graduation marks G. Foranother possibility, a sheet label similar to label 12 could besandwiched between the two adhesive tapes 14, 16.

[0068] As mentioned above, a significant feature of this invention ishaving a plurality of sterile, capped syringes S mounted in spaced apartrelation to each other in a band or belt 30, as shown in FIG. 2, forhandling the syringes S in automated preparation operations. Forexample, belt 30 may be employed for pulling the syringes S into andpreferably at least partially through a labeling and/or fillingapparatus and process, as will be described in more detail below. Theband or belt 30 can be made with the two elongated adhesive tapes 15, 16that were described above and which can be cut to separate the syringesS into individual syringes S with the label substrate 10 as shown inFIG. 1 and as will be described in more detail below.

[0069] Before proceeding, reference is now made to FIGS. 12a-12 c andFIGS. 13a-13 c which illustrate alternate embodiments of caps Cemployable with syringes S of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown,the caps C of the two embodiments each include a cylindrical outermember 500 for matingly engaging the outer flange provided at thedispensing end of the barrel B of the syringe S. In the FIG. 12a-12 cembodiment, a cylindrical inner member 502 is also provided for matinglyreceiving the fluid port provided at the dispensing end of barrel B ofsyringe S. In the case of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13a-13 c acentral pin-like inner member 504 is provided for mating insertion intothe fluid port provided at the dispensing end of the barrel B of syringeS. Of further note, internal locating legs 506 are provided in theembodiment of FIG. 13a-13 c for retentively engaging the fluid port ofbarrel B. As may be appreciated, the embodiments of FIG. 12a-12 c andFIG. 13a-13 c both provide for isolation of the contents of syringe S.

[0070] There are many ways by which the plurality of syringes S can bemounted in the band or belt 30 shown in FIG. 2, and this invention isnot limited to any one of such ways of doing so. However, for purposesof example, but not for limitation, one method and apparatus formounting multiple syringes S into a band or belt 30 is shown in FIG. 3.As one tape strip, e.g., tape strip 16, is unwound from a roll 32, asindicated by arrows 34, 36, it is threaded around the periphery 38 of asyringe mounting wheel 40, which rotates as indicated by arrow 42. Apair of rims (only one rim 44 of the pair can be seen in the elevationview of FIG. 2) extend radially outward beyond each side of theperiphery 38, and each of the rims 44 has a plurality of notches 46 inequal, angularly spaced relation to each other around the periphery 38.As the wheel 40 rotates, preferably capped, empty syringes S are placedserially into the notches 46, as indicated by arrows 48, where theycontact the adhesive side of the tape strip 16.

[0071] As the wheel 40 rotates, as indicated by the arrow 42, it carriesthe syringes S in the notches 46 and in contact with the tape strip 16to a position where the syringes S come into contact with the adhesiveside of the other tape strip 14, which is simultaneously being unwoundfrom a roll 50 as indicated by arrows 52, 54, 56. An idler wheel 58positions the tape strip 14 in relation to the wheel 40 so that itcontacts the syringes S mounted in the notches 46. Therefore, the tapesstrips 14, 16 get adhered to diametrically opposite sides of thesyringes S. In this regard, a contact plate 67 may also be provided toinsure engagement between tape strip 14 and syringes.

[0072] As the syringes S, which are adhered to tape strips 14, 16 emergefrom the wheel 40, they are captured by notches 60 in a press wheel 62that rotates, as indicated by arrow 64, to press the tape strips 14, 16to each other between the syringes S. Press wheel 62 may be provided fordriven rotation, wherein such driven rotation effects rotation of thetape rolls 32 and 50, as well as rotation of syringe mounting wheel 40as the tape strips 14, 16 are pulled around press wheel 62 with syringesS secured therebetween. A rotatable pressing block 63 is juxtaposed tothe press wheel 62 so that the tape strips 14, 16 run between the presswheel 62 and the rotatable pressing block 63. The pressing block 63 maybe configured to present a plurality of semicircular surfaces that arespaced to be in opposing relation to notches 60. Thus, the press wheel62 and the pressing block 63 cooperate to press and adhere the tapestrips 14, 16 tightly together and around the circumference of eachsyringe S. The pressing block 63 is preferably yieldably biased by aspring-loaded pivot arm 65 or some other bias system to press thepressing block 63 toward the press wheel 62.

[0073] After disengaging from press wheel 62, the belt 30 with thesyringes S mounted therein are fed as indicated by arrow 66 into a binor bag 68. Alternatively, the belt 30 with syringes S could be feddirectly into a labeling and/or filling apparatus, which will bedescribed below.

[0074] In general, the syringes S are positioned in the band or belt 30in a common orientation, i.e., with luers of all the syringes S on thesame side of the band 30. The notches 46 in the wheel 40 are spaceduniformly around the rim 44, so the syringes S in the resulting band 30are spaced equidistantly apart. The caps C can be placed on the syringesS either before, while, or after the syringes S are mounted in the band30. The band 30 of syringes S can then be fan folded or rolled andplaced in the plastic bag 68, which can be closed and/or sealed toprotect sterility. The package or bag 68 of banded syringes 30 can thenbe sterilized by any of a variety of standard sterilization processes,for example by gamma radiation. The sterilized packages 68 ofsterilized, banded syringes S, usually in quantities of about 200 to1,000 syringes S per package 68, are shipped to users, such as hospitalsor other health care institutions, who will label and/or fill and re-capthe syringes S for use within an acceptable time after filling.

[0075]FIG. 4 illustrates another method and apparatus embodiment formounting multiple syringes S into a band or belt 30. In this embodimenta syringe feed-wheel 203 is driven synchronously with tape feed wheels240 and 262 to form a band 30 of interconnected syringes S. Moreparticularly, tape feed wheels 240 and 262 are driven to pull adhesivetapes 16 and 14 about idler wheels 215 and 258 from tape rolls 232 and250, respectively. Tensioning devices 211 and 215 are provided toestablish a desired amount of tension along tape strips 16 and 14 asthey are fed to tape feed wheels 240 and 262, respectively.

[0076] As shown by FIG. 4, a vibrating track 201 is provided to advancesyringes S for sequential loading into notches 205 of the syringe feedwheel 203. In turn, the syringe feed-wheel 203 is located immediatelyadjacent to the tape feed-wheel 240 so that notches 246 of the tapefeed-wheel and notches 205 of the syringe feed-wheel 240 are disposed inopposing relation. As such, it can be seen that tape 16 will be pressedinto notches 246 on one side of syringes S to achieve conformalinterconnection therewith. Further in this regard, a pneumatic positionand tension control device 207 is provided to enhance theinterconnection between syringes S and tape 16. Device 207 includes amount lever arm 207 a interconnected to the syringe feed-wheel 203, anda pneumatic cylinder 207 b for locating the arm 207 a and syringefeed-wheel 203 as appropriate so that syringes S apply a predetermined,desired amount of force against tape 16.

[0077] After interconnection of one side of syringes S to adhesive tape16, the FIG. 4 embodiment provides for the interconnection of adhesivetape 14 to the other side of syringes S. More particularly, tapefeed-wheel 262 is driven synchronously with and positioned relative totape feed-wheel 240 so that notches 260 are in aligned relation withnotches 246 to capture syringes S between adhesive tape strips 14 and16. Concomitantly, tape 14 is pressed about the syringes S to completeband 30.

[0078] As further shown in FIG. 4, a pneumatic position and tensioncontrol device 209 is provided at the tape feed-wheel 262. Device 209includes a mount lever arm 209 a and a pneumatic cylinder 209 b forlocating the tape feed-wheel 262 as appropriate to establish the desiredamount of force applied by syringes S to tape strip 16.

[0079] Referring now to the diagrammatic elevation view of the labelingand filling apparatus 70 in FIG. 5, a band 30 of syringes S is pulledfrom the bag 68 by a sprocket wheel or drum 72 and rotated to positionswhere the band 30 is cut to form the label substrates 10 (see FIG. 1),and, if the substrates are not already labeled, to attach labels 12 tothe substrates 10, and to remove the caps C, fill the syringes S withthe desired medication, and replace the caps C.

[0080] In FIG. 5, if the bands 30 do not already have labels, the userwill prepare a quantity of labels 12 and mount them to feed into alabeling station 80. The labels can be prepared in any suitable manner,for example, using a standard computer label printer, and the quantityof labels 12 prepared can correspond to the number of syringes S to befilled with medication that matches the labels 12. The user alsoprepares the liquid medication 91 in a container 92, which the userconnects to a suitable fluid control system, such as conventionalperistaltic pump 93 or other suitable syringe filling, fluid metering,or handling system. The medication will be conveyed via a suitable tube94 or other conduit to the syringe filling station 90, which will beexplained in more detail below. The volume of medication to be pumpedinto each syringe S can be set and controlled in any of a variety ofways. For example, the pump 93 can be actuated to initiate a fill anddeactuated when the syringe has been filled with the desired volume ofmedication, as will be described in more detail below.

[0081] With continuing reference primarily to FIG. 5, the sprocket drum72 has a plurality of notches 74 in equal, angularly-spaced relation toeach other around the circumference of the drum 72. The notches 74 arelarge enough to receive and retain a syringe S, and they are spacedapart from each other the same distance as the spacing between thesyringes S in the band 30. Therefore, when at least one of the syringesS in the band 30 is positioned in an appropriate notch 74, rotation ofthe drum 72, as indicated by arrow 75, will cause the band 30 to pullsuccessive syringes S in the band 30 out of the bag 68 and into thelabeling and filling apparatus 70. Suitable guides, for example, guides76, 77, 78, can be used to hold the syringes S in the notches 74 as thedrum 72 rotates and carries the syringes S through the cutting station100, labeling station 80, and filling station 90.

[0082] It is appropriate to mention at this point that the sequentialorder of cutting, labeling, and filling is not critical to theinvention, and these operations can be performed in any sequential orderor even simultaneously, depending on how one wishes to mount theappropriate equipment, as would be within the capabilities of personsskilled in the art once the principles of this invention are understood.However, the convenient sequence of cutting, labeling, and filling willbe used for purposes of this description of the invention. The drum 72can be driven to rotate, as indicated by arrow 75, and to stop withsyringes S positioned appropriately for the to cutting, labeling, andfilling operations at the respective stations 100, 80, 90 by anyappropriate drive and control system as is well within the capability ofpersons skilled in the art, such as, for example, with a stepper motor(not shown) connected to appropriate motor control devices (not shown).A control panel (not shown) connected to the stepper motor can be set upfor use by an operator to either jog the drum 72 through incrementalsteps and/or jog the cutting station 100, labeling station 80, orfilling station 90 through their respective operations or to initiatecontinuous automatic operation.

[0083] At the cutting station 100, an actuator 101 drives a knife blade102 as indicated by arrow 103 to cut and sever the band 30 to disconnectthe syringes S from each other and to leave the resulting band segmentsor flaps connected to each syringe S to form individual label substrates10 for each syringe S. The knife blade 102 is preferably serrated and aslot 104 in the drum in alignment with the knife blade 102 facilitatesure, complete cuts. Any suitable actuator 101 can be used, such as arotary drive motor, solenoid, or the like. A sheath (not shown) can beprovided to cover the blade 102 when it is not cutting. An optical orother sensor (not shown) can be positioned adjacent the drum 72 wherethe syringes S are first engaged by notches 74 to detect whether anysyringes S have missing caps. A signal from the sensor in response to amissing cap could actuate and alarm and/or shut down the apparatus toprevent an uncapped syringe S from being labeled and filled.

[0084] For the syringe S that has advanced to the labeling station 80, alabeler device 81, moving as indicated by arrow 82, affixes a label 12to the substrate 10. The labeler device 81 can be any of a variety ofknown label apparatus that transfer labels 12 from a strip 83 to anobject, or it could be some other device, such as printer apparatus thatprints the label directly onto the flap substrate 10, or somecombination of such apparatus, as would be within the capabilities ofpersons skilled in the art once they understand the principles of thisinvention. An optical sensor (not shown) is used to detect whether alabel has been affixed to the substrate 10 at the label station 80. Amicroprocessor (not shown) can be used to keep count of labels properlyaffixed and/or activate an alarm and/or shut down the apparatus 70 if alabel is not detected on a substrate where a label is supposed to beaffixed.

[0085] For a syringe S that has advanced to the fill station 90, the capC (not shown in FIG. 5) is removed by a cap handling apparatus 110, thena liquid dispensing apparatus 120 is connected to the luer (not shown inFIG. 5) of the syringe S to dispense liquid medication into the syringeS, and the pump 93 (or other suitable liquid metering or controlapparatus) is actuated to move the medication 91 from the container 92into the syringe S. When the syringe S is filled with the desired volumeof fluid, as sensed, for example, by a proximity sensor that senses thecorresponding desired position of the plunger P (not shown in FIG. 4) ofthe syringe S, the pump 93 (or other suitable liquid metering or controlapparatus) is deactuated. Then, the liquid dispensing apparatus 120 isdisconnected from the syringe S, and the cap handling apparatus 100 ismoved into position to replace the cap C (not shown in FIG. 5) onto theluer (not shown in FIG. 4) of the syringe S. The cap handling apparatus110 and the liquid dispensing apparatus 120 are mounted on a cammedshuttle 130, which moves laterally in two axes, as indicated by arrow131 in the plane of the paper and by arrow 132 perpendicular to theplane of the paper, to accomplish the cap removal, fill, and capreplacement functions described above. While these functions could beperformed by myriad other devices and combinations of devices, as wouldbe within the capabilities of persons skilled in the art once theyunderstand the principles of this invention, an example cammed shuttle130, cap handling apparatus 110, and liquid dispensing apparatus 120shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4 will be described in more detail below.

[0086] After the syringes S leave the fill station 90, they are allowedto drop individually out of the sprocket drum 72 and, for example, intoa basket 150 or other receptacle. At this stage, the syringes S arelabeled, filled, and ready for use, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 6a, 6 b, 6 c, 6 d, and 6 e in combinationwith FIG. 5, the cammed shuttle 130 is driven by a motor, such as astepper motor 133, which rotates a slotted cam lever or crank arm 134mounted on the drive shaft 135 of the motor 133. A driver block 136 hasa slide pin or a cam roll (concealed from view) extending in onedirection into the slotted race groove 137 of the cam lever or crank arm134 and another cam follow pin or cam roll 138 extending in the oppositedirection into a U-shaped cam slot 139 in a stationary cam block 140.Therefore, as the stepper motor 133 rotates, for example as shown byarrow 141 in FIGS. 6b and 6 c, the cam lever 134 causes the cam followerpin or cam roll 138 extending from the driver block 136 to follow theU-shaped path of the cam slot 139, which moves the two slide shafts 142,143 extending laterally from driver block 136 as well as the connectingblock 144 at the distal ends of slide shafts 142, 143 to movesimultaneously in the same U-shaped motion pattern. The two slide shafts142, 143 extend slidably through two holes 145, 146 in a pillow block147, which is mounted slidably on two support rods 148, 149. The supportrods 148, 149 are mounted in two stationary anchor blocks 150, 151 andextend slidably through two holes 152, 153 in pillow block 147, whichare perpendicular to, but vertically offset from, holes 145, 146. Thus,as the stepper motor 133 drives the driver block 136 through theU-shaped pattern of cam slot 139, the pillow block 147 slides laterallyon support rods 148, 149 as indicated by arrow 154, while the slideshafts 142, 143 slide longitudinally in pillow block 147 as indicated byarrow 155. As a result, the connector block 144 and cammed shuttle 130also move both laterally and longitudinally as indicated by arrows 131,132 in the same U-shape pattern as the U-shaped cam slot 139 to removethe cap C from the syringe S, connect the syringe S to a nozzle 121 inthe liquid dispensing apparatus 120 to fill the syringe S, disconnectthe nozzle 121, and replace the cap C, as will be described in moredetail below. Suitable bushing or bearings can be used to enhance thesliding movement of the shafts 142, 143 and support rods 148, 149 in thepillow block 147.

[0088] Referring now to FIG. 6a in combination with FIG. 4, the drum 72has moved a syringe S to the filling station 90, where it stops for thecap removal, fill, and cap replacement operation. The syringe S is shownin FIG. 6a positioned in a notch 74 with a label 12 affixed to thesubstrate 10. As the drum 72 moved the syringe S to the position shownin FIG. 6a, the cap C was moved into a set of jaws 160, which is alignedlongitudinally with the syringe S when the slotted cam lever 134 isstopped in the position shown in FIG. 6a and the drum 72 stops thesyringe S in the filling station 90. A cap gripper 161, such asresilient spring steel, presses against the cap C in jaws 160 to captureand retain the cap C in the jaws 160. Again, optical sensors (not shown)or other suitable sensors and/or control devices or methods can be usedto stop the drum 72 when the syringe S is positioned with the cap Ccaptured in the jaws 160 as would be understood by persons skilled inthe art once they understand the principles of this invention. Then, themotor 133 is actuated to rotate the slotted cam lever 134 as indicatedby arrow 141 in FIG. 6b, which extends the slide shafts 142, 143, asindicated by arrow 156, as the pillow block 147 slides to the right onsupport rods 148, 149, as indicated by arrow 157. As a result, thecammed shuttle 130 moves the jaws 160 with the cap C away from thesyringe S, thereby removing the cap C from the syringe S and leaving theluer L of the syringe S exposed and open, as shown in FIG. 6b. Again,the gripper 161 described above retains the cap C in the jaws 160 whenthe cap C is removed from the luer L.

[0089] Continued rotation of the cam lever 134 as indicated by the arrow141 in FIG. 5c translates the pillow block 147 still farther to theright on support rods 148, 149, as indicated by 15 arrow 157 in FIG. 6c,until the longitudinal axis 122 of the fill connector or nozzle 121aligns with the longitudinal axis 123 of syringe S, then retracts theslide shafts 142, 143, as indicated by arrow 158, to position the nozzle121 on luer L of the syringe S. At that position of the cammed shuttle130, the motor 133 is deactuated, so the nozzle 121 stays on the luer Lwhile the pump 93 (FIG. 5) is actuated to pump liquid medication 91 fromthe container 92 to fill the syringe S. 20 The fill connector or nozzle121 is preferably mounted on the cammed shuttle 130 by a spring-loadedslide (not shown) or similar yieldable, resilient mounting to apply anappropriate, uniform force to the nozzle 121 as it is being forced bythe cammed shuttle 130 onto the luer L of the syringe S. This motion toremove the cap C and place the fill connector or nozzle 121 on thesyringe S can be accomplished in approximately 250 milliseconds withthis mechanism. The U-shaped cam slot 139 provides a straight,longitudinal pull of the cap C in alignment with the longitudinal axis123 of the syringe S and a corresponding straight, longitudinal push toattach the nozzle 121 to the luer L.

[0090] As best seen in FIG. 6d, the plunger P of the syringe S is pushedoutwardly by the liquid medication that is pumped into the syringe S.When the syringe S has been filled with the desired volume of liquidmedication, the flow of liquid medication into the syringe S is stopped.The flow can be measured and stopped in a variety of ways, such as flowmeters, valves, known pump displacement, and the like, as would bewithin the knowledge and capabilities of persons skilled in the art oncethey understand the principles of this invention. However, aparticularly novel and innovative way of controlling the fill volumeaccording to this invention is to use a sensor 124 to detect when theplunger P has been pushed out to a predetermined extent that correspondsto the fill volume desired, as illustrated in FIG. 6d a myriad ofsensors could be used for this function, such as a capacitive proximitysensor, optical sensor, microswitch, and the like. Upon sensing thedesired extension of the plunger P, a signal from the sensor 124 can beused to shut off the flow of liquid medication into the syringe S. Asuitable signal control circuit, for example, a microprocessor and/orrelay, (not shown) to shut off the pump 93 or to close some controlvalve (not shown) is well within the capabilities of persons skilled inthe art once they understand the principles of this invention. As shownin FIG. 6d, the sensor 124 can be mounted on an adjustable base 125 witha scale 126 and pointer 127 to correlate adjustable physical position ofthe sensor with the desired fill volume.

[0091] When the desired fill volume has been reached and detected, asexplained above, a signal from the sensor 124 is used to deactuate thepump 93. A preferred, albeit not essential, pump 93 is a peristalticpump, such as, for example, a model 099 Repeater Pump, manufactured byBaxa Corporation, of Englewood, Colo., which can be reversed momentarilyto take the fluid pressure off the tubing 94 and syringe S to minimize,if not prevent, dripping of the liquid medication when the nozzle 121 isdetached from the luer L. Then, the motor 133 is actuated to rotate thecam lever 132 in the opposite direction, as indicated by the arrow 159in FIG. 6e, to detach the nozzle 121 from the luer L of the syringe Sand move the jaws 60 and cap C back into longitudinal alignment with theaxis 123 of the syringe S for replacing the cap C on the syringe S.Specifically, as the cam lever 134 rotates, as shown by arrow 159, thecammed shuttle 130 moves back through the U-shaped pattern defined bythe U-shaped cam slot 139. First, the slide shafts 142, 143 are extendedas indicated by arrow 171 to detach the nozzle 121 from the luer L ofsyringe S. Then the cammed shuttle is moved in an arc as indicated byarrow 172 to align the cap C in jaws 160 with the longitudinal axis 123of the syringe S. Finally, the slide shafts 142, 143 are retractedagain, as indicated by arrow 173, to push the cap C back onto thesyringe S. The cap handling apparatus 110 can be mounted by aspring-loaded slide (not shown) or some other yieldable, resilientstructure, if desired, to ensure a uniform pressure application to thecap C as it is being pushed by the cammed shuttle 130 back onto thesyringe S.

[0092] At this position, shown in FIG. 6e, the fill is completed, andthe drum 72 can be rotated again to move the cap C out of the jaws 160and to move the next syringe S in the sequence into the jaws 160 for arepeat of the cap removal, fill, and cap replacement sequence describedabove on the next syringe S in the drum 72. At the next position afterthe filling station 90, a sensor (not shown), such as an optical sensor,is used to determine if the cap C is placed correctly back on thesyringe S. If it is not placed correctly, the apparatus is stoppedand/or an alarm is sounded in response to a signal from the sensorindicating that the cap C is not replaced. After that cap-checkposition, the drum moves the syringe to a point where hold down or guidetracks end, thereby freeing the syringe S to drop out of the drum 72 andinto a chute (not shown) that guides the labeled, filled, and recappedsyringe S into the holding basket 150.

[0093] The control system (not shown) can utilize signals from thesensors to record number of syringes S filled, program the number ofdoses desired and automatically stop when that number of syringes S arefilled, record the number of doses actually pumped, record the number ofdoses or syringes in the basket 150 and keep track of rejected labels orsyringes. Other functions can also be provided.

[0094] Referring now to FIGS. 7a and 7 b, the labeling and fillingapparatus embodiment of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6a-6 e is further illustrated ina production implementation. Of note, the labeling and filling apparatus70 is shown in a compact table top arrangement that may be readilypositioned in a sterile environment, e.g. within a sterile area havingan appropriate exhaust hood. As will be recognized, the apparatus 70includes a cutting station 100, labeling station 80 and filling station90.

[0095] The drum 72 may be driven in a clockwise direction by a stepmotor 301, wherein syringes S are positioned into the notches 74 forsequential feeding to the work stations 80, 90 and 100. At cuttingstation 100, an actuator 101 in the form of a stepper motor may beutilized. In particular, the actuator 101 may be controlled to turn acrank 303 having a cam follower 305 that is located in a slot 307 on amount block 309 for cutting blade 102. The block 309 is supported onrails 311, wherein driven rotation of the crank 303 effects lineartravel of the cutting blade 102 towards and away from the drum 72 and abelt 30 with syringes S carried thereby. The operation of actuator 101may be timed in relation to the stepped movement of drum 72 so that belt30 is cut into belt segments 10 of a consistent width by cutting blade102.

[0096] At labeling station 80, the labeling device 81 may include astepper motor 315 to which a shaft 317 is interconnected for driveneccentric motion. That is, upon actuation stepper motor 315 may driveshaft 317 through an arc from a first position to a second position. Byway of example, the first position may be as illustrated in FIGS. 7a and7 b, wherein the labeling device 81 is located in a down position forlabel placement. Upon eccentric motion of the shaft 317 to a secondposition, shaft 317 will engage the labeling device 81 causing thecantilevered end thereof to cock upwards about a stationary shaft 319.As may be appreciated, the operation of stepper motor 315 is timed inrelation to the stepped movement of drum 72 to affect label placement onthe belt segments 10 between adjacent syringes S.

[0097] Referring now to FIGS. 8a-8 d, operation of the filling station80 shown in FIGS. 7a and 7 b will be further described. In FIG. 8a asyringe S has advanced to the filling station 90 with a cap C insertedinto cap handling apparatus 110. As illustrated, syringe S has aninterconnected belt segment on flap 10 with a label 12 adhered thereto.

[0098] As next shown in FIG. 8b, it can be seen that filling station 90has retracted away from drum 72 so as to remove cap C from thedispensing end of the syringe S. As previously noted, such retraction isachieved by activating stepper motor 133 to rotate cam lever 134,thereby causing driver block 136, slide shafts 142, 143, connectingblock 144 and shuttle 130 to move along a first straight leg portion ofU-shaped motion pattern.

[0099] In the later regard, FIG. 8c shows the filling station 90immediately after cam lever 134 has moved through the curved portion ofthe U-shaped motion pattern. In this position it can be seen that thenozzle 121 of the liquid dispensing apparatus 120 is aligned with thedispensing end of the syringe S. As such, and as seen in FIG. 8d,further movement of the filling station 90 along the second straight legportion of the U-shaped motion pattern causes the liquid dispensingapparatus 120 to linearly advance towards syringe S, wherein the nozzle121 engages and fluidly interconnects with the dispensing end of thesyringe S. Upon reaching the FIG. 8d position, filling station 90 may becontrolled so that fluid is injected through nozzle 121 into the syringeS As further shown in FIG. 8d, fluid has filled the syringe S todisplace the plunger P into contact with the sensor 124. At this point,a sensor signal is transmitted to terminate the filling of syringe S.Thereafter, stepper motor 133 may again rotate cam lever 134 through theU-shaped motion pattern to reposition cap C back onto the dispensing endof the syringe S.

[0100] As noted above, the filling and labeling apparatus 70 is only oneembodiment of the present invention. Numerous other embodiments will beapparent to those skilled in the art. By way of example, reference isnow made to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 a-11 f, which illustrate an alternateembodiment.

[0101] In this embodiment a drum 472 is driven in a counter-clock wisedirection, wherein a band 430 of syringes S pulled in series into thenotches 474 for preparation operations. In the later regard, the band430 is suspended from the drum 472 to facilitate aligned, side-by-sidepositioning of the syringes S in notches 474. As schematically shown inFIG. 9, the syringes S are sequentially advanced through filling station490, labeling station 480 and cutting station 400. Thereafter, theseparated syringes S may be directed into a container (not shown) via achute 500. The operation of labeling station 480 and cutting station 400may be analogous to the operations of the labeling station 80 andcutting station 100 described above in relation to FIG. 5 and FIGS. 6a-6b. In contrast to that embodiment, however, the embodiment shown inFIGS. 9, 10 and 11 a-11 h may implement a different approach at fillingstation 490.

[0102] In the modified operation shown in FIG. 9, a syringe is firstpositioned at location I for cap removal, then located at a secondposition II for filling, followed by location back at work location Ifor cap replacement. To facilitate an understanding of such approach,the labeling station 480 and cutting station 400 are not presented inFIG. 10. As best shown by FIG. 10, filling station 490 includes a caphandling apparatus 410 and liquid dispensing apparatus 420. As will beappreciated, liquid dispensing apparatus 420 is interconnectable to areservoir (not shown) containing a fluid for filling syringes S. Ofnote, both the cap handling apparatus 41 and liquid dispensing apparatus420 are mounted on a common support member 430. Support member 430 maybe interconnected to a stepper motor (not shown) acutatable to affectlinear travel of the cap handling apparatus 410 and liquid dispensingapparatus 420 towards and away from the drum 472. Such linear travel,together with the rotation of drum 472 are the only required motions forcap removal, filling and cap replacement. Such operations will now befurther described with reference to FIGS. 11a-11 h.

[0103]FIGS. 11a-11 h are flat, diagrammatic views of filling station 490from a rearward perspective relative to the isometric front view shownin FIG. 10. Before proceeding, it should be noted that the fillingstation 490 shown in FIGS. 11a-11 h further includes a syringe flangeretention track 492 and a plunger flange retention member 494. As willbe further described, the plunger flange retention number 494 isselectively retractable relative to retention track 492 so that fluidmay be drawn from liquid dispensing apparatus 420 to fill syringes S. Inthis regard, liquid dispensing apparatus 420 may include a valve tocontrol the passage/stoppage of fluid therethrough. By way of example,such valve may comprise an actuatable roller.

[0104] With particular reference to FIG. 11a, a syringe S is shown inthe first location I shown in FIG. 9 wherein Cap C has been inserted inthe cap handling apparatus 410 for retention thereby. Concomitantly, aflange on syringe S has been inserted and advanced within the retentiontrack 492. Next, and as shown in FIG. 11b, cap handling apparatus 410has been retracted from the syringe S with cap C retained thereby. Aswill be appreciated, such retraction may be affected via linear driventravel of the support member 430 shown in FIG. 10.

[0105]FIG. 11c shows the syringe S moved to the location II shown inFIG. 9. More particularly, drum 472 may be rotated clockwise to affectsuch positioning, wherein the liquid dispensing apparatus 420 is alignedwith the dispensing end of the syringe S. Then, liquid dispensingapparatus 420 may be advanced into engagement with the dispensing end ofsyringe S as shown in FIG. 11d. Again, such linear travel may beaffected via movement of support member 430. Of note, both FIGS. 11c and11 d show the plunger P being positioned in the retention member 494.

[0106] In this regard, and referring now to FIG. 11e, retention member494 may be provided for driven retraction away from syringe S (e.g. viaan unshown stepper motor), with the valve of liquid dispensing apparatus420 opened so as to draw fluid through liquid dispensing apparatus 420into the syringe S. As may be appreciated, the amount, or length, ofretraction of retention member 494 may be precisely controlled toachieve a preset filling volume. When the desired volume has beenreached, the valve of liquid dispensing apparatus 420 may be closed.Where an actuatable roller is utilized, the roller may be positioned topinch off a fluid conduit to back up the fluid a desired amount, therebybringing the fluid pressure slightly below atmospheric pressure. Afterfilling, the liquid dispensing apparatus 420 may be withdrawn from thedispensing end of the syringe S as shown in FIG. 11f. Again, such lineartravel may be affected by controlled retraction of the support member430.

[0107] Thereafter, syringe S may return to location I viacounter-clockwise rotation of drum 472, as shown in FIG. 11g. Finally,cap C may be replaced onto the dispensing end of the syringe S viaadvancement of the cap handling apparatus 410 on support member 430. Thesyringe S may then be advanced for further operations at the labelingstation 480 and cutting station 400 shown in FIG. 9.

[0108] The foregoing description is considered as illustrative only ofthe principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerousmodifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in theart, it is not desired limit the invention to the exact construction andprocess shown and described above. Accordingly, resort may be made toall suitable modifications and equivalents that fall within a scope ofthe invention as defined by the claims which follow. The words“comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “include,” “including,” and“includes” when used in this specification are intended to specify thepresence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but they donot preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, components, steps, or groups thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus bodies comprising: a plurality of syringe bodies, each comprising a barrel; and, a belt fixedly connected to each of said plurality of syringe bodies, wherein said plurality of syringe bodies are positioned in a predetermined orientation.
 2. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein dispensing ends of the barrels of the plurality of syringe bodies extend in a common direction in said predetermined orientation.
 3. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said belt defines a predetermined spacing between adjacent ones of said plurality of syringe bodies.
 4. An apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said predetermined spacing is substantially the same between each pair of adjacent ones of the plurality of syringe bodies.
 5. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said plurality of syringe bodies are aligned side-by-side, series relation in said predetermined orientation.
 6. An apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein at least the barrels of the plurality of syringe bodies are of a common length, and wherein the belt is fixedly connected to the barrels along a common portion of the length of each.
 7. An apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein said belt is of a width that exceeds a majority of a length of each of the barrels comprising said plurality of syringe bodies.
 8. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said belt is of a pliable construction.
 9. An apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said belt comprises: opposing layers adjoined in face-to-face relation between adjacent ones of said plurality of syringe bodies and wrapped about opposing sides of the barrels of each of said plurality of syringe bodies.
 10. An apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein at least one of said opposing layers is substantially transparent.
 11. An apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein said opposing layers are adhesively adjoined, and wherein at least one of the opposing lagers is adhesively connected to the barrels of the plurality of syringe bodies.
 12. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said belt is of a severable construction.
 13. An apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein said belt is of a predetermined length between adjacent ones of said plurality of syringe bodies, said predetermined length being sufficient to define label flaps upon severance of the belt between said adjacent ones of the plurality of syringe bodies.
 14. An apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein said flaps are of predetermined length being sufficient for the placement of contents information thereupon.
 15. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said belt comprises: a first portion extending between adjacent ones of said plurality of syringe bodies; and, a second portion that extends about at least a portion of the barrels of each of said plurality of syringe bodies.
 16. An apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein at least said second portion of said belt is substantially transparent.
 17. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the barrels of the plurality of syringe bodies includes a dispensing end and an opposing end, and wherein each of said plurality of syringe bodies further comprises: a cap removably disposed on the dispensing end of the barrel; and a plunger slidably disposed in the opposing end of the barrel.
 18. An apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein for each of said plurality of syringe bodies: the dispensing end of barrel includes a fluid port and an outer flange; and, the caps includes an outer member matingly positionable within the outer flange of the barrel and an inner member matingly positionable about the fluid port of the barrel.
 19. An apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein for each of said plurality of syringe bodies: the dispensing end of the barrel includes a fluid port and an outer flange; and, the cap includes an outer member matingly positionable about the outer flange of the barrel and an inner member matingly positionable within the fluid port of the barrel.
 20. A method for handling a plurality of syringe bodies, comprising: positioning a plurality of syringe bodies, in a predetermined orientation; and, interconnecting a belt to each of said plurality of syringe bodies in said predetermined orientation.
 21. A method as recited in claim 20, further comprising: locating said plurality of syringe bodies in a plurality of holders for at least one production operation.
 22. A method as recited in claim 21, wherein said belt defines a predetermined spacing between adjacent ones of said plurality of syringe bodies, and wherein said plurality of holders are separated by a distance corresponding with said predetermined spacing.
 23. A method as recited in claim 21, further comprising: moving said plurality of holders along a predetermined path during said at least one production operation.
 24. An assembly as recited in claim 23, said belt being of a pliable construction, and said locating step comprising: successively suspending adjacent ones of said plurality of syringe bodies to dispose said adjacent ones in aligned positions for receipt by said plurality of holders, wherein said adjacent ones are successively located in said plurality of holders during said moving step.
 25. A method as recited in claim 23, wherein said plurality of holders are located on a support member, and wherein said moving step comprises: rotating said support member.
 26. A method as recited in claim 23, wherein a plurality of work locations are located along said predetermined path, and wherein the method further comprises: disposing said plurality of syringe bodies in series at said plurality of work locations to complete said at least one production operation.
 27. A method as recited in claim 26, wherein for each of said plurality of syringe bodies said disposing step comprises: first locating the syringe body at a first work location; second locating the syringe body at a second work location; and, returning said one the syringe body to the first work location.
 28. A method as recited in claim 21, wherein said at least one production operation comprises at least one of the following: filling said plurality of syringe bodies with a predetermined fluid; removing and replacing on caps from each of said plurality of syringe bodies; and labeling said plurality of syringe bodies to indicate the contents thereof.
 29. A method as recited in claim 21, further comprising: packaging said plurality of interconnected syringe bodies and in a container prior to said locating step; and, unpackaging said plurality of syringe bodies from said container prior to said locating step.
 30. A method as recited in claim 29, further comprising: sterilizing said plurality of interconnected syringe bodies after said packaging step and prior to said unpackaging step.
 31. A method as recited in claim 21, wherein said plurality of holders are disposed to position adjacent ones of said plurality of syringe bodies in side-by-side relation.
 32. A method as recited in claim 31 further comprising: separating said plurality of interconnected syringe bodies.
 33. An apparatus for handling a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected in series by a belt in a predetermined orientation with a predetermined spacing therebetween, comprising: a plurality of holders for holding said plurality of syringe bodies, said plurality of holders being separated by a distance corresponding with said predetermined spacing; and, p1 a driven support member for moving said plurality of holders along a predetermined path.
 34. An apparatus as recited in claim 33, wherein said plurality of holders hold adjacent ones of said plurality of syringe bodies in substantially parallel relation with dispensing and opposing ends thereof extending outwardly relative to said predetermined path.
 35. An apparatus as recited in claim 33, further comprising; at least one work station having a support member disposed to move towards and away from the dispensing ends of said plurality of syringe bodies.
 36. An apparatus as recited in claim 35, said at least one work station being provided for at least one of the following: automated fluid filling of said plurality of syringe bodies; and, automated removal and replacement of caps on said dispensing ends of the plurality of syringe bodies.
 37. An apparatus as recited in claim 33, further comprising: at least one work station having a support member disposed to move towards and away from an outward facing surface of said belt.
 38. A method as recited in claim 37, said at least one work station being provided for at least one of the following: automated cutting of said belt between adjacent ones of said plurality of syringe bodies; and, automated printing of contents information in relation to each of said plurality of syringe bodies.
 39. An apparatus as recited in claim 33, wherein said driven support member comprises: a rotatable member having said plurality of holders mounted about the periphery thereof.
 40. A method for filling a plurality of syringe bodies, wherein for each syringe body the method comprises: holding the syringe body in at least one holder; removing a cap from a dispensing end of the syringe body during said holding step; filling the syringe body at the dispensing end thereof during said holding step; and, p1 replacing said cap on the dispensing end of the syringe body during said holding step.
 41. A method as recited in claim 40, wherein for each syringe body the method further comprises: placing said cap on said dispensing end of the syringe body prior to said holding step.
 42. A method as recited in claim 41, wherein for each syringe body the method further comprises: packaging said syringe body in a container after said placing step and prior said holding step; and, unpackaging said syringe body from said container prior to said holding step.
 43. A method as recited in claim 42, wherein for each syringe body the method further comprises: sterilizing the syringe body after said packaging step and prior to said unpackaging step.
 44. A method as recited in claim 40, further comprising; interconnecting a belt to said plurality of syringe bodies in a predetermined orientation.
 45. A method as recited in claim 40, wherein for each syringe body the removing and replacing steps each include: retainably engaging said cap in a retainer; and, moving at least one of said retainer and said holder to affect relative movement between the cap and the dispensing end of the syringe body.
 46. A method as recited in claim 45, wherein for each syringe body the retainably engaging step comprises: moving said holder along a predetermined path to insert the cap into the retainer.
 47. A method as recited in claim 45, wherein for each syringe body the filling step comprises: interconnecting a fluid supply member with a dispensing end of the syringe body; and, flowing fluid into the syringe body through the interconnected fluid supply member and dispensing end of the syringe body.
 48. A method as recited in claim 47, wherein for each syringe body, said removing, filling and placing steps are completed at a first location of the syringe body.
 49. A method as recited in claim 48, wherein for each syringe body, said retainer and said fluid supply nozzle are interconnected for tandem movement during said removing, filling and replacing steps.
 50. A method as recited in claim 47, wherein for each syringe body the method further comprises: first locating the syringe body at a first location for completion of said removing step; second locating the syringe body at a second location for completion of said filling step; and, returning the syringe body to said first location for completion of said replacing step.
 51. A method as recited in claim 47, wherein for each syringe body the filling step further comprises: sensing the position of a plunger end thereof, said position being indicative of an amount of said fluid within said syringe body.
 52. A method as recited in claim 47, wherein said flowing step comprises at least one of the following: injecting said fluid into the syringe body under pressure; and, drawing said fluid into said syringe body by retraction of a plunger comprising the syringe body.
 53. An apparatus for filling a plurality of syringe bodies, comprising: at least one holder for holding at least one syringe body in a predetermined orientation; a retainer for retainably engaging a cap located at a dispensing end of a syringe body, wherein said cap may be selectively removed and replaced by said retainer; and, a fluid supply member disposed for selective fluid interconnection with a dispensing end of a syringe body.
 54. An apparatus as recited in claim 53, further comprising: a driven support member for selectively moving at least one of said retainer and said fluid supply member towards and away from a dispensing end of a syringe body.
 55. An apparatus as recited in claim 54, wherein said driven support member is interconnected to both the retainer and fluid supply member for tandem embodiment according to one of a U-shaped motion pattern and a linear motion pattern.
 56. An apparatus as recited in claim 53, further comprising: a driven support member for moving said at least one holder along a predetermined path.
 57. An apparatus as recited in claim 56, wherein said retainer and fluid supply members are located on a common side of said predetermined path.
 58. An apparatus as recited in claim 53, further comprising: a first retention member for retaining a barrel of a syringe body; and a second retention member for retaining a plunger of a syringe body, wherein said first and second retention members are disposed for driven relative movement therebetween.
 59. An apparatus as recited in claim 53, further comprising: a sensor for sensing the position of a plunger with a barrel of a syringe body.
 60. A method for labeling a plurality of syringe bodies, comprising: interconnecting a belt to a plurality of a syringe bodies in a predetermined orientation; placing contents-related information on an interconnected belt segment for each given one of said plurality of syringe bodies; and separating said belt between each of said plurality of syringe bodies to define an interconnected flap on each of said plurality of syringe bodies.
 61. A method as recited in claim 60, wherein said belt is of a pliable construction, and wherein said separating step comprises: severing said belt between adjacent ones of said plurality of syringe bodies.
 62. A method as recited in claim 61, wherein for each of said plurality of syringe bodies said placing step comprises: printing said contents-related information on a label; and, affixing said label to said interconnected belt segment.
 63. A method as recited in claim 60, wherein for each said plurality of syringe bodies said placing step comprises: printing said contents-related information directly on said interconnected belt segment.
 64. A method as recited in claim 60, wherein said contents-related information comprises at least one of the following: information regarding a type of fluid contained in the syringe body; information regarding an amount of a fluid contained in the syringe body; information regarding a fill date for the contents of the syringe body; and, information regarding handling and storage instructions for the syringe body.
 65. A method as recited in claim 63, wherein at least a portion of said contents-related information is bar coded.
 66. A method a recited in claim 60, wherein said method further comprises: packaging said plurality of syringe bodies in a container after said interconnecting step and prior to said separating and placing steps; and, unpackaging said plurality of syringe bodies from said container prior to said separating and placing steps.
 67. A method as recited in claim 66, further comprising: sterilizing said plurality of syringe bodies after to said packaging step.
 68. A method as recited in claim 60 wherein said interconnecting step comprises: attaching at least one continuous layer of a pliable material between and about at least a portion of each of said plurality of syringe bodies.
 69. A method as recited in claim 68, wherein said at least one continuous layer is substantially transparent.
 70. An apparatus for labeling a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected in series by a belt, comprising: a plurality of holders for holding said plurality of syringe bodies; and, a separation member for separating said belt between adjacent ones of said plurality of syringe bodies to define an interconnected flap on each of the plurality of syringe bodies; and, a labeling member for placing contents-related information on an interconnected belt segment for each given one of said plurality of syringe bodies.
 71. An apparatus as recited in claim 70, wherein said belt defines a predetermined spacing between adjacent ones of said plurality of syringe bodies, and wherein said plurality of holders are separated by a distance corresponding with said predetermined spacing.
 72. An apparatus as recited in claim 70, further comprising: a driven support member for moving at least one of said separation member and said labeling member towards and away from said plurality of holders.
 73. An apparatus as recited in claim 70, further comprising: first and second driven support members for separately moving said separation member and said labeling member towards and away from said plurality of holders, respectively.
 74. An apparatus as recited in claim 70, further comprising: a driven support member for moving said plurality of holders along a predetermined path.
 75. An apparatus as recited in claim 74 wherein said driven support member comprises: a rotatable member.
 76. An apparatus as recited in claim 74, wherein said separation member and said labeling member are disposed for sequential operation along said predetermined path.
 77. An apparatus as recited in claim 70, flier comprising: a processor for storing and providing said contents-related information to said labeling member.
 78. An apparatus as recited in claim 70, wherein said labeling member comprises: a printer for printing said contents-related information on one of labels and said belt segments. 